STILLMAN VALLEY, Ill. (WTVO) — As harvest season begins, dry conditions are increasing the risk of brush fires in the area, prompting warnings from local fire officials.

The warm and dry weather, combined with open fields, creates a perfect environment for fires to spread quickly. Even small fires can become dangerous under these conditions, they say.

"Brush fires are one of those things that seem like they're under control a lot of times, but in an instant, the wind can change and they can be out of control," said Chief Chad Hoefle of the Stillman Valley Fire Department.

Hoefle expressed concern that fire resources might be stretched thin due to the increased risk of fires during this dry season.

"Fire departments are going to be calling resources from all over, and we might not have

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